Strategy of the Think Tank Fund, 2011-2012

The Think Tank Fund supports independent policy research centers that strengthen democratic processes by identifying political, economic, and social problems, and researching them in a nonpartisan and policy-relevant way. The fund further supports the interaction of policy research centers with governments to advance better policy responses, to involve nongovernmental stakeholders in policy debates, and disseminate their research findings widely.

Much of the Think Tank Fund’s work until now has dealt with the sustainability of think tanks by supporting innovative policy research, improving their external communication, and effective operations management. In addition to supporting well-established policy centers, the fund has paid special attention to nurturing a new generation of think tanks and has underwritten research in topics that have been neglected in the region.

This document provides an executive summary and covers the following: key problems and issues to be addressed by Think Tank Fund intervention; a summary of principal strategic priorities planned for 2011-2012; advocacy and communication; and geographical foci.